Steven Byrnes’ Post

🎬Start every day with a task completed, find someone to help you through life, and always respect everyone. These are some of the valuable life lessons imparted by William H. McRaven. He also reminds us that life is not fair, and we will fail often. But it's how we respond to these failures that shapes our character. 🧠With that in mind, have you made your bed today? It may seem like a small task, but it sets the tone for the rest of your day. 🏁By completing a simple task, you start your day with a sense of accomplishment and discipline. So, take the advice of a retired U.S. Navy admiral, and start your day off on the right foot. #WilliamHMcRaven #LifeLessons #Discipline #TaskCompleted #RespectEveryone #MakeYourBed #makeanimpact #C2BB

Check out this video of the retrieval of the USS Jacob Jones!

Book #3 on the year is The Hero Code by Admiral William McRaven. Former Navy Seal, The Hero Code is a great, quick read. “The idea of duty is a simple one. We all have a job to do in life… we must do our job to the best of our ability. We must do it well, not because it serves our interests, but because it serves the interests of others. We do not live in this world alone.” The Hero Code for duty: Whatever job I am given, whatever duty I am bound by, I will do it to the best of my ability.

Reflecting on two decades in uniform: Commitment is the cornerstone of victory. As a Navy veteran, this principle has not only shaped me in service but also transformed my approach in the civilian sector. What enduring lesson has your profession taught you? Join the conversation. #MilitaryToCivilian #CommitmentIsKey #ProfessionalGrowth

The history of Naval gold lace or 'gold rings' is rather intriguing. Today's 'executive curl' was instigated to differentiate the military branch of the Royal Navy from the civil branch (such as the as auxiliaries, logistics and marine engineers). The military officers wore the curl, whereas the civil did not. However, from 1918 and ever since, the curl was rolled out across all branches. . When uniforms were first introduced within the Royal Navy in 1748, it would only be senior officers who would adorn with gold to denote their seniority and standing. Taking inspiration from senior army officers, the rule was; the more gilded a hem, cuff, pocket flap, coat skirt, breast or collar-the more senior your position. . By 1798 the Navy followed similar modes of adornment to the army in their gilt garments.Initially it was only Commanders, Captains and flag ranks that could display their rank thus in uniform. Flag officers would wear distinction lace on their cuffs for dress and undress uniforms. Ornate epaulettes were also employed as a symbol of gravitas. . Eventually, by 1856 the use of gold distinction lace was stripped to a more modest and tasteful display-incorporating the executive curl (reminiscent of cockades used in military millinery in prior centuries). . #navaltailor #royalnavy #navalhistory #navaluniform #uniformhistory #bespoketailoring #militarytailor

Taking on the Murph, I recently embarked on something completely new for me the Murph. Named in honor of Navy SEAL Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy, this challenge pushes physical limits and mental toughness to a whole new level. The Murph consists of a 1-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, followed by another 1-mile run, all while wearing a weighted vest. It's not just about physical endurance; it's about honoring sacrifice and embracing resilience. Why did I take it on? The Outlier Project #WOWchallenge Trying something you have never done, challenging yourself, and redefining what you’re capable of. Happy World Outlier Week! Scott MacGregor The Outlier Project

As a military kid, this definitely touched my heart. Check out our latest blog!

Freedom is not free

Why I Serve We often use the word 'friend' too loosely. For me, being a friend means knowing where they are in life—understanding both their strengths and weaknesses. A true friend should be concerned about your challenges and know how you're going to handle them when you're struggling or in trouble. As military personnel, we don't usually have friends but 'arty,' even though we use the word carelessly as 'arty' is synonymous with coursemate. We often forget that you can only win a fight or complete a task when you involve not just your coursemates, because no course or commission has it all. Even the lowest-ranking members—private soldiers and their equivalents—can be your 'arty.' Being in the military is a lonely job that requires significant effort and dedication from all rank and file. Your friends or 'arties' are those who support your dreams. For example, as a friend to the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), I want him to succeed. I offer my plans to him, imagining myself in his position with ideas to move the navy forward. I see myself as his 'arty' regardless of the wide rank difference between us. Being CNS is a solitary journey for any current holder of the seat. The real 'arties' are the contemporary foot soldiers who offer their guidance because they live in the current world and have many years of service ahead of them. 🦅